Christmas Logs
A festive no-bake Christmas log featuring candied cherries, pineapple, and pecans, coated in powdered sugar. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet, indulgent treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Crumble the vanilla wafers into small pieces.
- Mix the crumbled wafers with candied cherries, candied pineapple, chopped pecans, and condensed milk until well combined.
- Divide the mixture and shape into two logs.
- Roll each log in sifted powdered sugar to coat.
- Wrap the logs in wax paper and refrigerate until firm.
- Slice into pieces as needed and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a festive twist, consider adding dried cranberries or chopped pecans for extra texture and flavor. If you don't have candied pineapple, you can substitute with dried mango or apricots, which will also add a unique sweetness. To help with shaping, consider lightly greasing your hands with butter or oil. Ensure the mixture is well combined for even distribution of flavors.
Serving Suggestions
These Christmas logs make a delightful dessert on their own, but you can also serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. They pair beautifully with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee during holiday gatherings. For a festive platter, consider including other treats like the Do-Si-Dos Snickers Bar Cheesecake or Vanilla Cookie Sheet Cake.
Storage & Reheating
Store the Christmas logs wrapped in wax paper, then place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to two weeks. For best texture, slice pieces as needed rather than pre-slicing the entire log. If you want to enjoy them slightly warmed, let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Christmas Logs contains roughly 1283 calories, with 19g protein, 95g carbohydrates, and 100g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (47% of the Daily Value), protein (38% of the Daily Value), and iron (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. It also contributes 13g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different nuts in this recipe?
Yes, feel free to substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds based on your preference. Just ensure that the nuts are chopped finely for even distribution throughout the mixture. This will still maintain the delightful texture of the logs while offering a new flavor dimension.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make gluten-free Christmas logs, replace the vanilla wafers with gluten-free cookie crumbs or crushed gluten-free biscuits. Make sure to check the labels on all other ingredients, especially the candied fruits, to ensure they are gluten-free.
Can I freeze the Christmas logs?
Yes, these logs can be frozen for longer storage. Wrap each log tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. They can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to serve, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before slicing.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).